. >> days before the first vice presidential debate mitt romney is hammering the president on foreign policy. >> when president obama was asked about the recent disruption and chaos and violence in the middle east, he said that these were merely bumps in the road. >> thanks. >> bumps in the road also describes what the romney campaign has been unable to avoid in recent weeks. costly distractions, and discouraging poll numbers are upstaging the republican message. >> look at what president obama did on the budget. nothing except borrow and spend. >> when they talk about the culture dependency, about american decline, i can honestly say to you, i don't recognize the country they're talking about. >> reporter: when vice president biden was fighting for votes in florida the president was calling on congress to help homeowners. even as he defended his campaign's weak spot. >> so we're moving in the right direction but we're not there yet. >> reporter: a point up for debate as the presidential candidates get ready for their first showdown on wednesday. brian mooar, nbc news, washington. >>>